Fred Mitchell Award recognizes September placekickers
September 30, 2011
The Fred Mitchell Award recognizes 42 place-kickers for their excellence on the football field and in the community during the month of September. “September had quite a few college football games decided by late scores by place-kickers, long snappers, holders and blockers on special teams. It has been a very exciting start to the college football season. We are pleased to recognize place-kickers that were nominated by their schools for extraordinary performance during the month, even some that were raised as far away as England and China,” said Fred Mitchell. The Award’s Selection Committee Chairman Chris Kearney added, “The place-kickers we recognize are having tremendous success on the gridiron so far this season. In addition, their civic and volunteer activities are having a profound and positive impact in their communities. We are delighted to honor this group.”
The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be announced in mid-December based on performance on the field and in the community. Details are provided at www.fredmitchellaward.com.
The breakdown of the 42 place-kickers is as follows:
TYLER ALMEIDA
University of Mount Union (Ohio) – Division III
Junior from Elyria, OH….leads the \#2 ranked Purple Raiders in scoring with 33 points from 4 of 6 FG’s and 21 of 22 PAT’s….scored 11 points in 41-17 win over Wisconsin-Oshkosh on September 10….scored 12 points in 66-7 win over Wilmington on September 24 …Raider Buddy Program volunteer to visit local elementary schools to mentor and tutor students
GREGG BERKSHIRE
Ashland University (Ohio) – Division II
Senior from Ashland, OH….tied for 1st on the team in scoring with 42 points from 9 of 13 FG’s and 15 of 15 PAT’s….owns school kicking records with 133 career PAT’s, 49 FG’s and 280 points….leads the Conference in kick scoring, FG’s and PAT’s….tied for 1st in Division II in FG’s per game….GLIAC Special Teams Player of the Week….scored 15 points in 39-36 four OT win over Indianapolis on September 10….was kicker on summer 2011 United States team that won the Gold Medal at the International Federation of American Football Senior World Championship…. averaged 62 yards in 23 kickoffs…filmed a television spot for Ashland County United Way to promote the United Drive program to collect canned goods from local residents…volunteered for United Drive collection campaign…spoke to Ashland Middle School students about the importance of goal setting and he also read them books….guest speaker at several Sunday School classes at local church….involved in community drive to upgrade Ashland City Schools where he distributed literature, posted signs in the community and sent letters to support the initiative…joined teammates at campus bookstore to read stories to area children
ZACH BROWN
Portland State University (Oregon) – FCS
Junior from Keizer, OR….2nd on the Vikings in scoring with 20 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 8 of 9 PAT’s…. holds school record for most career FG’s with 40 and with nearly two seasons yet to play….holds school record with 10 consecutive FG’s made dating to last season….has made 4 of the school’s 9 all-time FG’s over 50 yards…tied career record with 44 consecutive PAT’s made….averaged 60 yards on 17 kickoffs….volunteer at McLaren Juvenile Detention Center….participated in Male Involvement Night at River Road Head Start which is a child development program for low-income and special needs children…participated in the Walk to D’Feet ALS
RYAN BULLOCK
Lane College (Tennessee) – Division II
Freshman from Hackleburg, AL….leads the team in scoring with 25 points from 5 of 6 FG’s and10 of 10 PAT’s….chosen as SIAC Honorable Mention Player of the Week in his first week playing college football after 17-10 win over Edward Waters College….SIAC Special Teams Player of the Week after September 17 win over Point University by 48-16….SIAC Honorable Mention Player of the Week after September 24 game against Morehouse College….averaging 51 yards in 20 kickoffs….group leader volunteer in the school’s “Clean Up the Campus” community event
CHASE CARPENTER
Northwest Mississippi Community College – NJCAA
Freshman from Slayden, MS….4th on the team in scoring with 24 points from 1 of 4 FG’s and 21 of 24 PAT’s….on pace to finish in the top 5 in PAT’s made and attempted in single-season school history…averaging 57 yards on 27 kickoffs….exceeded 50 hours in community service….Vacation Bible School volunteer
BILL CRORY
Nichols College (Massachusetts) – Division III
Senior from Townsend, MA…leads team in scoring with 17 points from 4 of 5 FG’s and 5 of 7 PAT’s….ranks 2nd in NEFC in FG’s and FG percentage…scored 7 points at Framingham State on September 9….averaging 46 yards on 14 kickoffs….volunteered with his family to build a walkway at his hometown church….Special Olympics on-campus volunteer each Friday afternoon…helped over 100 youth football players in the school’s first Youth Football Clinic….on-campus tutor for math, accounting, finance and management classes
JASON CUNNINGHAM
Montana State University (Montana) – FCS
Senior from Amarillo, TX….leads the Bobcats and the Big Sky Conference in scoring with 41 points from 9 of 11 FG’s and 14 of 14 PAT’s …owns record for most career points in school history with 282 points…56 career FG’s is most in school history and 6th in Conference history….made all 5 FG attempts in win at Eastern Washington including two 55-yard FG’s…scored 11 points in 43-7 win over Minot State on September 17….6 of 9 FG’s from beyond 50 yards in career….volunteers in the Bozeman public school system
LONG DING
Norwich University (Vermont) – Division III
Senior from Qing Dao, China….2nd on the team in scoring with 18 points from 2 of 4 FG’s and 12 of 12 PAT’s….has made 24 consecutive PAT’s dating back to last season….scored 7 points in 38-20 win over Becker on September 24….averaging 44 yards on 19 kickoffs….nominated for the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award for excellence on the football field, in the classroom and in the community….volunteer Academic Mentor on campus
DAVE EDEN
University of Northern Colorado - FCS
Sophomore from Westminster, CO….leads the team in scoring with 21 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 9 of 9 PAT’s….made career-long 42-yard FG at Idaho State on September 17 which is the 4th longest kick since the school was added to the FCS in 2006….averaging 53 yards on 5 kickoffs….volunteers for Bagging with the Bears program where student-athletes help the community by bagging and carting groceries to vehicles
RYAN ESTEP
Norfolk State University (Virginia) – FCS
Senior from Chesapeake, VA…leads the team in scoring with 42 points from 11 of 11 FG’s and 9 of 9 PAT’s….two-time MEAC Special Teams Player of the Week after games against West Virginia on September 10 and Charleston Southern on September 24….tied career-best 3 FG’s in a game three times during September….leads FCS kickers with 2.75 FG’s per game….10.5 points per game is 2nd highest in the Conference and 8th in FCS….Great Bridge High School football camp volunteer
DANIEL FISHER
Bloomsburg University (Pennsylvania) – Division II
Sophomore from Harrisburg, PA….2nd on the Huskies in scoring with 36 points from 7 of 8 FG’s and 15 of 17 PAT’s ….scored 8 points in 20-16 win over Indiana (PA) on September 15….averaging 57 yards on 26 kickoffs….Habitat for Humanity volunteer….helped renew local town park in The Big Event community service program….Ronald McDonald House volunteer
JACOB GAHART
Ripon College (Wisconsin) – Division III
Junior from Elkhorn, WI….2nd on the team in scoring with 25 points from 4 of 5 FG’s and 13 of 14 PAT’s…named Midwest Conference Special Teams Performer of the Week on September 6 and September 19….20 career FG’s ranks 2nd in school history….made 45-yard FG which is his 2nd longest and 6th longest in school history…ranks 2nd in conference scoring by a kicker this season and 10th overall….scored a season-high 10 points in 42-14 win at Wisconsin Lutheran….averaging 52 yards on 23 kickoffs….has one reception for 9 yards this season….career development department volunteer at Ripon College….mentor to students at Ripon Middle School….assisted with research to establish an improved test for freshmen during Summer orientation
JORDAN GAY
Centre College (Kentucky) – Division III
Junior from Danville, KY….2nd on team in scoring with 33 points from 6 of 6 FG’s and 15 of 15 PAT’s….two-time SCAC Special Teams Player of the Week on September 6 and September 26….scored 18 points in 38-21 win over Hanover…named to D3football Team of the Week….made a 51-yard FG in 45-0 win over Austin on September 26….averaging 64 yards on 23 kickoffs…participated in city park clean-up…served as tutor for local high school students….campus tour guide
HERB GLASS
University at Albany - FCS
Senior from Miller Place, NY….leads team in scoring with 19 points from 3 of 4 FG’s and 10 of 10 PAT’s….became the school’s highest-scoring place-kicker on September 3….ranks 5th in career scoring overall with 183 points….set school record for career FG’s made with 29 against Columbia on September 24….96 career PAT’s ranks 3rd in school history…Northeast Conference Special Teams Player of the Week following Colgate game on September 3…one of five school kickers to make two FG’s over 40 yards….tied the 3rd longest FG in school history (48 yards) and made a 41-yard FG on the first possession in overtime….participates in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk….raised funds and walked in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk
TAYLOR GROFF
East Stroudsburg University (Pennsylvania) – Division II
Sophomore from Manheim, PA….scored 8 points against West Chester on September 24 in season debut from 2 of 2 FG’s and 2 of 2 PAT’s….tied career-long with 48-yard FG against West Chester….missed first three games of the season due to injury….set school record as a freshman last season by making 16 of 21 FG’s including making all 12 FG’s from under 40 yards…volunteer for children’s programs at local church….participates in school’s Breakfast with the Warriors during preseason camp…volunteers at Kohl’s Kicking Camps and Special Teams Solutions Camps
CHRISTOPHER HAZELTON
Southern Connecticut State University – Division II
Senior from Bristol, CT…3rd on the Owls in scoring with 28 points from 3 of 4 FG’s and 19 of 22 PAT’s….ranked 2nd in school history with 111 career PAT’s, just 4 shy of the record….tied career-high by scoring 13 points including career-long 44-yard FG in 61-0 win over Pace on September 23….scored 11 points in 59-34 win over St. Anselm on September 17….only FG miss was from 49 yards….averaging 56 yards per kickoff….participated in the school’s annual Big Event community service project…campus community Orientation Ambassador
NOAH HEIMER
Lock Haven University (Pennsylvania) – Division II
Senior from Lock Haven, PA….leads the team in scoring with 17 points from 5 of 7 FG’s and 2 of 2 PAT’s….ranks 9th in PSAC scoring….ranks 10th in Division II and 4th in the Conference with 1.67 FG’s per game….scored 8 points against Millersville on September 10….volunteer at Robbie Gould’s “Good as Gould” kicking camp…Lock Haven summer football camp volunteer
AARON JAMIESON
University of Central Missouri – Division II
Junior from Cassville, MO….2nd on the 19th ranked Mules in scoring with 31 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 19 of 19 PAT’s…. named MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week on September 12 after making school-record 53-yard FG against Missouri Western….scored 9 points in come-from-behind win at Emporia State on September 17….scored 10 points in 54-30 win over Truman State on September 24….moved into 2nd place in school history with 124 made PAT’s….ranks 5th in school history with 25 made FG’s….199 career points ranks 5th among UCM kickers and 9th for all players. Literacy Team volunteer where student-athletes read to local elementary school students….Veteran’s Home volunteer in Warrensburg….Fellowship of Christian Athletes…leads worship services…collaborated with his father at his high school alma mater to start The Character Project where students participate in regular community service
BILLY JANSSEN
Drake University (Iowa) – FCS
Senior from Round Lake Beach, IL….2nd on the Bulldogs in scoring with 17 points from 3 of 5 FG’s and 8 of 9 PAT’s ….scored 9 points in 27-23 win over Missouri S&T on September 17….averaging 56 yards on 17 kickoffs….instrumental leader on the team’s May 2011 trip to Tanzania, Africa to perform service projects and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro as extensions of the Bulldogs’ Global Kilimanjaro Bowl game…helped build an addition on a school and make significant repairs to orphanages and schools in Moshi and Arusha…helped organize his teammates for their participation in the program’s annual Youth Day where area school children are invited to come to Drake Stadium for an afternoon of football-related fun and games…visited youth at the Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines….packed meals for “Meals from the Heartland”
RYAN JASTRAM
North Dakota State University – FCS
Senior from Sioux Falls, SD….2nd on the Bison in scoring with 21 points from 1 of 2 FG’s and 18 of 18 PAT’s….has made 60 straight PAT’s dating to last season….made 49-yard FG in 8th ranked NDSU’s 37-24 win at Minnesota on September 24….averaging 63 yards on 22 kickoffs....Kohl’s Kicking Camp Counselor….Fargo Parks & Recreation work during summer months….reads to local elementary school students
TONY KEBEDE
North Park University (Illinois) – Division III
Junior from Fort Wayne, IN….leads the Vikings in scoring from 25 points from 5 of 6 FG’s and 10 of 10 PAT’s….CCIW Special Teams Player of the Week on September 6 and September 26….scored 8 points in 13-10 win over Washington University-St. Louis….averaging 55 yards on 17 kickoffs….youth football league athletic trainer….North Park University youth football camp volunteer
FRANK KEENAN
Fairmont State University (West Virginia) – Division II
Senior from Byfleet, England....Team Captain….2nd on the Fighting Falcons in scoring with 37 points from 7 of 10 FG’s and 16 of 17 PAT’s….54 career PAT’s is tied for 7th in school history …leads Conference in FG’s made….made career-long 46-yard FG against West Liberty on September 24 which is also the longest this season for any WVIAC kicker and earned Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors….scored 10 points against Glenville State on September 17 thanks to a Conference-high 3 FG’s in the game….averaged 56 yards on 27 kickoffs….played rugby at a university in England before attending Fairmont State….President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee….organized a Faculty Appreciation Tailgate prior to a football game including recruiting faculty and student-athletes to attend....raises funds for Make-A-Wish….reads at local elementary schools….coordinated the Community Read & Feed program where fans brought food and books to a FSU football game to the student-athletes who distributed these items to libraries, food shelters and schools…was instrumental in involving the school’s student-athletes in the “Paint the Town Maroon” initiative where the teams put up school-themed scarecrows on local light posts…organized events for Pancreatic Cancer Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month
NICK KINNEY
Newberry College (South Carolina) – Division II
Senior from Goose Creek, SC….leads team in scoring with 19 points from 3 of 3 FG’s and 10 of 10 PAT’s….first season as starting kicker…volunteers for multiple charity fundraisers…participated in Lock Up program to raise \$30,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association….raised money for a family affected by a house fire….helping plan the second Breast Cancer Breakfast to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation….regular volunteer in local highway clean-up efforts
SHAWN LEO
West Chester University (Pennsylvania) – Division II
Sophomore from Harleysville, PA….leads the Golden Rams in scoring with 40 points from 10 of 12 FG’s and 10 of 10 PAT’s….ranks 3rd in PSAC and 23rd nationally with 10 points per game….has scored more points and made more FG’s than any kicker in the Conference….2nd in Division II with 2.5 FG’s per game….set school record with 4 FG’s against New Haven on September 3….made 3 FG’s in win over Slippery Rock on September 20….needs 2 FG’s to tie school’s single-season record….Autism Walk volunteer for past two years….Relay for Life participant on campus for past two years….volunteer little league umpire in hometown for past two years
WILL LOCKWOOD
Bentley University (Massachusetts) – Division II
Junior from Menlo Park, CA….leads the Falcons in scoring with 29 points from 4 of 5 FG’s and 17 of 17 PAT’s….leads Conference kickers in scoring and 5th overall….scored 12 in 50-3 win over SUNY Maritime on September 2….scored 5 points including 44-yard FG against West Virginia Wesleyan on September 10….scored 7 points in 31-12 win at Stonehill on September 16….scored 5 points in 43-15 win over Saint Anselm on September 23….helped incoming freshmen move into dorms along with the rest of the football team…service trips to Mexico, Costa Rica and Honduras
TOM LYNCH
Saint Xavier University (Illinois) - NAIA
Senior from Frankfort, IL….tied for 1st on the \#1 ranked Cougars with 36 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 24 of 24 PAT’s…ranks 2nd in school history in career scoring by place-kickers with 267 points….scored 13 points in season-opening 55-10 win over Olivet Nazarene on September 3….scored 10 points in 34-30 win over St. Francis on September 10 including a 45-yard FG in the third quarter to take the lead….scored 6 points in 55-30 win over Walsh on September 17….scored 7 points in 49-14 win over Trinity International on September 24….averaging 62 yards on 19 kickoffs….participated in the school’s annual Service Day where students do community service projects….volunteers at Misericordia in Chicago which is a community of care that maximizes potential for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities….Vice President of school’s Criminal Justice Club….South Bridge Community Church summer day camp volunteer and provides complimentary maintenance and lawn care….place-kicker tutor to kicker at his high school alma mater
KYLE MAJOR
Colorado State University-Pueblo – Division II
Senior from Littleton, CO….leads the 14th ranked ThunderWolves in scoring with 47 points from 12 of 13 FG’s and 11 of 11 PAT’s….only missed FG was from 61 yards….6 of 6 FG’s from 40+ yards including 2 of 2 from 50+ yards….leads Division II in made FG’s…. two-time Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week….scored 14 points including the game-winning FG in 26-24 win over then-19th ranked West Texas A&M….school’s all-time leader in FG and points….speaks to local elementary and middle schools about sportsmanship and motivation….visits the St. Mary-Corwin Hospital during the football season to lift the spirits of sick children
ADRIAN MORA
Georgia Southern University - FCS
Senior from Dalton, GA….2nd on the Eagles in scoring with 31 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 19 of 19 PAT’s…. set school record for most consecutive PAT’s (114)….led the team in scoring each of the past three seasons ….49 of 59 career FG’s…. one FG shy of tying the school’s career-best 50 FG’s….has not missed a PAT in his career….scored 7 points in 31-17 win over Samford on September 3….volunteers at the local Boys and Girls Club as mentor, tutor and participant in after-school athletics….reads to local elementary school students as part of the Real Men Read program of the Bulloch Board of Education….Relay for Life volunteer…participates in school’s Little Eagles Camp
MATT MYERS
Northern Arizona University - FCS
Senior from Corona, CA….leads team in scoring with 32 points from 7 of 11 FG’s and 11 of 12 PAT’s…. all FG misses have been from 40-50 yards….scored 11 points at Portland State on September 17 including 48-yard FG….scored 8 points in 20-3 win over Idaho State on September 24 ….led volunteer efforts to visit Phoenix Children’s Hospital in August 2011…participated in Earth Week community cleanup event and Flagstaff kickoff setup….participated in Red Ribbon Week volunteer events….community drug-free campaign speaker at local elementary schools….involved with local Humane Society….Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer….St. Mary Food Bank volunteer….helped protect homes from flood and assisted with the flood clean-up efforts…Allstate Good Words Team nominee
DAVID NADEAU
University of Minnesota Duluth – Division II
Senior from White Bear Lake, MN….leads the 10th ranked Bulldogs in scoring with 29 points from 6 of 7 FG’s and 11 of 11 PAT’s….named Conference Special Teams Player of the Week on September 26 after scoring 14 points in 26-23 win over Bemijdi State on September 24….tied school kicking records for most FG’s in a game (4) and most points in a game (14) on September 24….scored 8 points in 20-12 win over then-8th ranked Augustana (SD) on September 3….owns 13 school records including for career points (329), PAT attempts (233), PAT’s made (218), FG attempts (51) and FG’s made (37)….has made 18 of last 20 FG’s and 35 straight PAT’s dating to last season….averaged 62 yards on 20 kickoffs….Engineering Society member….annual volunteer in the Big Jig Fishing Contest
JAMES NEAL
Lindenwood University (Missouri) – Division II
Sophomore from Mansfield, TX....2nd on the Lions in scoring with 29 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 17 of 18 PAT’s….kicked game-winning 21-yard FG as time expired and scored 10 points to beat FBS Northern Colorado 22-20 for the biggest regular season win in school history….made career-long 44-yard FG and scored season-high 11 points against Graceland on September 10….surpassed 100 career points in September in his 13th game and finished September with 114 career points…averaging 57 yards on 13 kickoffs…counselor at Camp Crucis
SCOTT ROCHE
Wheaton College (Illinois) – Division III
Senior from Evergreen, CO…leads the team in scoring with 29 points from 6 of 7 FG’s and 11 of 13 PAT’s….scored 11 points in 23-14 win over UW-Platteville on September 17….averaged 60 yards on 26 kickoffs….works with area youths as a leader in the Young Life program at a nearby high school for three nights each week….volunteered for Feed My Starving Children by packaging approximately 1,000 meals for those in need….actively participates in the football program’s ministry project each year during Spring Break, most recently in Senegal to help missionaries with work projects and building churches, playgrounds, lodging and other necessities….in his 4th year as a leader of a small group of football players as a part of ministry
ALEX ROMANIAS
Edinboro University (Pennsylvania) – Division II
Senior from Pittsburgh, PA….leads the 18th ranked Fighting Scots in scoring with 39 points from 7 of 7 FG’s and 18 of 18 PAT’s….ranks 3rd in school history with 129 career PAT’s and 4th in school history with 27 career FG’s…ranks 8th in career scoring with 210 points….has made 31 straight PAT’s dating back to last season….tied for 5th in Division II and 2nd in PSAC with FG’s per game with 1.75….9.75 points/game ranks 26th in Division II and 4th in the Conference….made all 3 FG attempts against West Liberty including a 40-yard FG at the end of the first half which matched his career long….scored 12 points in 30-14 win against West Liberty on September 3….converted FG’s of 35 and 37yards against Cheyney and against Gannon made FG’s of 31 and 21 yards….Read to Compete Program volunteer where football team reads to local elementary school students
DYLAN RUSHE
Endicott College (Massachusetts) – Division III
Sophomore from Palos Verdes, CA….leads the Gulls in scoring with 40 points from 7 of 9 FG’s and 19 of 20 PAT’s ….scored 15 points in 33-13 win over Framingham State on September 3 ….averaging 55 yards in 31 kickoffs….participates in annual run to raise money for St. Vincent de Paul as well as monthly food and clothing drives throughout local parish in Dublin, Ireland….assisted with Habitat for Humanity projects in Wilmington and Long Beach, CA….participates in weekly events with special needs children at North Shore Arc…Open Door Food Pantry volunteer during holidays to distribute food and household products….raises funds for Relay for Life, Walk for Life, City of Hope and Wellness Community
CODY SANDLIN
University of Tennessee at Martin – FCS
Junior from Goodlettsville, TN….leads the team in scoring with 32 points from 5 of 5 FG’s and 17 of 17 PAT’s….two FG’s have been from 40-49 yards….made 3 of 3 FG’s in season opener against 9th ranked Jacksonville State including career-best 45-yard FG….made two 20 yard FG’s against 24th ranked Murray State on September 22….OVC Specialist of the Week nominee for his performance against Murray State where he scored 12 points….averaging 58 yards on 19 kickoffs….participates in all team community service projects since freshman year including cleaning up Union City Park after an ice storm…Santa’s Village event and food drive volunteer for two years for the Martin Parks and Recreation
CHRIS SCIFO
University of New Haven (Connecticut) – Division II
Sophomore from Coral Springs, FL….tied for 1st on the team in scoring with 24 points from 4 of 6 FG’s and 12 of 13 PAT’s…scored 14 points in 50-14 win over Saint Augustine’s on September 10…averaging 64 yards in 21 kickoffs….Chamber of Commerce volunteer for Dover Beach Clean-Up….Pagels School Student Mentor….West Haven leaf raking
WESLEY SKIFFINGTON
Stony Brook University (New York) - FCS
Junior from Brandon, FL…2nd on the Seawolves in scoring with 28 points from 6 of 8 FG’s and 10 of 10 PAT’s….Big South Special Teams Player of the Week after scoring 13 points in 37-20 win over Lafayette including a career-long 46 yards on September 24…became school’s all-time leader on September 24 in points among kickers beating the old record of 156 points….Friends of Jaclyn Program volunteer….Sunrise Fund volunteer at Stony Brook University Medical Center….headed football team’s participation in Walk for Beauty
ANDY SMITH
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology – NAIA
Senior from Pierre, SD….2nd on team in scoring with 31 points from 8 of 10 FG’s and 7 of 7 PAT’s….scored 10 points against Fort Lewis on September 10….scored 7 points against Black Hills State on September 17 including 51-yard FG….averaging 51 yards on 23 kickoffs….entered the 2010 season with every SD Mines kicking record including longest FG (52 yards)….Big Brothers, Big Sisters fundraiser and volunteer
STEFAN TERLECKYJ
Wayne State University (Michigan) – Division II
Sophomore from Warren, MI…leads the 9th ranked Warriors in scoring with 32 points from 3 of 3 FG’s and 23 of 24 PAT’s …scored 7 points in 31-24 win over Ohio Dominican on September 24 to go 4-0 for the first time since 1967….averaging 59 yards on 32 kickoffs….participated in United Way’s Martin Luther King Day of Service by assisting the Motor City Blight Busters with a renovation project in metropolitan Detroit….collected consumer products for the DO Foundation’s Hit the Street Mission and Covenant House Michigan
BRADEN WIEKING
University of Sioux Falls (South Dakota) – Division II
Junior from Sioux Falls, SD….2nd on the Cougars in scoring with 23 points from 4 of 5 FG’s and 11 of 11 PAT’s….scored 8 points in 38-23 win over Minot State on September 24….only FG miss was from 52 yards….averaging 55 yards on 19 kickoffs….team’s nomination for Allstate Good Hands Team….Sioux Falls Fellowship of Christian Athletes volunteer and Group Huddle Leader on campus….Habitat for Humanity volunteer….Vacation Bible Study volunteer
KYLE WILLIAMS
Hinds Community College (Mississippi) – NJCAA
Sophomore from Pearl, MS….leads team in scoring with 23 points from 3 of 5 FG’s and 14 of 17 PAT’s… Habitat for Humanity volunteer….Muscular Dystrophy Association of Mississippi volunteer
ANTHONY WOOD
Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College (Minnesota) – NJCAA
Senior from Cloquet, MN….Team Captain….scored 9 points from 1 of 1 FG’s and 6 of 7 FG’s….intern in Athletic Director’s office….Student Senate Activities Coordinator….volunteers to help local high school place-kickers and punters….coaches Junior Varsity soccer at Cloquet High School….presented donated toys to children at Community Memorial Hospital
ABOUT THE FRED MITCHELL AWARD
The annual Fred Mitchell Outstanding Place-Kicker Award (also known as the Fred Mitchell Award, www.fredmitchellaward.com) is provided to the nation’s top collegiate place-kicker among more than 750 FCS, Division II, III, NAIA and NJCAA football teams. The Award is named for Fred Mitchell, the record-setting place-kicker, Wittenberg University Athletic Hall of Famer, author, philanthropist and Chicago Tribune sports columnist. The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be chosen based on excellence on the football field and in the community. The Award’s Watch List is released in August, top performers are recognized monthly during the college football season, and the winner (who is not required to be on the Watch List) is announced in mid-December. The school of the Award winner receives scholarship funds and the Fred Mitchell Award trophy will be presented on February 20, 2012 at the National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter Awards Ceremony at Halas Hall (see www.nffchicagoawards.eventbrite.com for details about the Awards Ceremony).
A blue-ribbon Selection Committee (listed at www.fredmitchellaward.com) evaluates place-kickers that are nominated by their schools. Members of the Pro and/or College Football Hall of Fame on the Selection Committee include Tom Beck, Kevin Butler, Paul Hornung, Marv Levy, Steve McMichael, Don Pierson and Gale Sayers. Several former football players that are active in their communities are also on the Selection Committee including Sean Gothier, Dan Jiggetts, Jeff Michalczyk, Mark Murphy, Rob Perry, Jeff Schebler, Bob Thomas, Todd Wilkins, Gary Zauner and Rob Zvonar. There are eight former college or NFL place-kickers on the Selection Committee, including Jeff Schebler, the inaugural Fred Mitchell Award recipient in 2009 and the highest-scoring place-kicker in NCAA history at any level.
The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be announced in mid-December based on performance on the field and in the community. Details are provided at www.fredmitchellaward.com.
The breakdown of the 42 place-kickers is as follows:
- Collegiate Division – 11 FCS, 18 Division II, 8 Division III, 2 NAIA and 3 NJCAA
- State – the place-kickers play at schools located in 25 different states with five place-kickers at schools in Pennsylvania
- Year – 21 Seniors, 10 Juniors, 9 Sophomores, 2 Freshmen
- Included on the Preseason Watch List for the 2011 Fred Mitchell Award - 25
TYLER ALMEIDA
University of Mount Union (Ohio) – Division III
Junior from Elyria, OH….leads the \#2 ranked Purple Raiders in scoring with 33 points from 4 of 6 FG’s and 21 of 22 PAT’s….scored 11 points in 41-17 win over Wisconsin-Oshkosh on September 10….scored 12 points in 66-7 win over Wilmington on September 24 …Raider Buddy Program volunteer to visit local elementary schools to mentor and tutor students
GREGG BERKSHIRE
Ashland University (Ohio) – Division II
Senior from Ashland, OH….tied for 1st on the team in scoring with 42 points from 9 of 13 FG’s and 15 of 15 PAT’s….owns school kicking records with 133 career PAT’s, 49 FG’s and 280 points….leads the Conference in kick scoring, FG’s and PAT’s….tied for 1st in Division II in FG’s per game….GLIAC Special Teams Player of the Week….scored 15 points in 39-36 four OT win over Indianapolis on September 10….was kicker on summer 2011 United States team that won the Gold Medal at the International Federation of American Football Senior World Championship…. averaged 62 yards in 23 kickoffs…filmed a television spot for Ashland County United Way to promote the United Drive program to collect canned goods from local residents…volunteered for United Drive collection campaign…spoke to Ashland Middle School students about the importance of goal setting and he also read them books….guest speaker at several Sunday School classes at local church….involved in community drive to upgrade Ashland City Schools where he distributed literature, posted signs in the community and sent letters to support the initiative…joined teammates at campus bookstore to read stories to area children
ZACH BROWN
Portland State University (Oregon) – FCS
Junior from Keizer, OR….2nd on the Vikings in scoring with 20 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 8 of 9 PAT’s…. holds school record for most career FG’s with 40 and with nearly two seasons yet to play….holds school record with 10 consecutive FG’s made dating to last season….has made 4 of the school’s 9 all-time FG’s over 50 yards…tied career record with 44 consecutive PAT’s made….averaged 60 yards on 17 kickoffs….volunteer at McLaren Juvenile Detention Center….participated in Male Involvement Night at River Road Head Start which is a child development program for low-income and special needs children…participated in the Walk to D’Feet ALS
RYAN BULLOCK
Lane College (Tennessee) – Division II
Freshman from Hackleburg, AL….leads the team in scoring with 25 points from 5 of 6 FG’s and10 of 10 PAT’s….chosen as SIAC Honorable Mention Player of the Week in his first week playing college football after 17-10 win over Edward Waters College….SIAC Special Teams Player of the Week after September 17 win over Point University by 48-16….SIAC Honorable Mention Player of the Week after September 24 game against Morehouse College….averaging 51 yards in 20 kickoffs….group leader volunteer in the school’s “Clean Up the Campus” community event
CHASE CARPENTER
Northwest Mississippi Community College – NJCAA
Freshman from Slayden, MS….4th on the team in scoring with 24 points from 1 of 4 FG’s and 21 of 24 PAT’s….on pace to finish in the top 5 in PAT’s made and attempted in single-season school history…averaging 57 yards on 27 kickoffs….exceeded 50 hours in community service….Vacation Bible School volunteer
BILL CRORY
Nichols College (Massachusetts) – Division III
Senior from Townsend, MA…leads team in scoring with 17 points from 4 of 5 FG’s and 5 of 7 PAT’s….ranks 2nd in NEFC in FG’s and FG percentage…scored 7 points at Framingham State on September 9….averaging 46 yards on 14 kickoffs….volunteered with his family to build a walkway at his hometown church….Special Olympics on-campus volunteer each Friday afternoon…helped over 100 youth football players in the school’s first Youth Football Clinic….on-campus tutor for math, accounting, finance and management classes
JASON CUNNINGHAM
Montana State University (Montana) – FCS
Senior from Amarillo, TX….leads the Bobcats and the Big Sky Conference in scoring with 41 points from 9 of 11 FG’s and 14 of 14 PAT’s …owns record for most career points in school history with 282 points…56 career FG’s is most in school history and 6th in Conference history….made all 5 FG attempts in win at Eastern Washington including two 55-yard FG’s…scored 11 points in 43-7 win over Minot State on September 17….6 of 9 FG’s from beyond 50 yards in career….volunteers in the Bozeman public school system
LONG DING
Norwich University (Vermont) – Division III
Senior from Qing Dao, China….2nd on the team in scoring with 18 points from 2 of 4 FG’s and 12 of 12 PAT’s….has made 24 consecutive PAT’s dating back to last season….scored 7 points in 38-20 win over Becker on September 24….averaging 44 yards on 19 kickoffs….nominated for the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award for excellence on the football field, in the classroom and in the community….volunteer Academic Mentor on campus
DAVE EDEN
University of Northern Colorado - FCS
Sophomore from Westminster, CO….leads the team in scoring with 21 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 9 of 9 PAT’s….made career-long 42-yard FG at Idaho State on September 17 which is the 4th longest kick since the school was added to the FCS in 2006….averaging 53 yards on 5 kickoffs….volunteers for Bagging with the Bears program where student-athletes help the community by bagging and carting groceries to vehicles
RYAN ESTEP
Norfolk State University (Virginia) – FCS
Senior from Chesapeake, VA…leads the team in scoring with 42 points from 11 of 11 FG’s and 9 of 9 PAT’s….two-time MEAC Special Teams Player of the Week after games against West Virginia on September 10 and Charleston Southern on September 24….tied career-best 3 FG’s in a game three times during September….leads FCS kickers with 2.75 FG’s per game….10.5 points per game is 2nd highest in the Conference and 8th in FCS….Great Bridge High School football camp volunteer
DANIEL FISHER
Bloomsburg University (Pennsylvania) – Division II
Sophomore from Harrisburg, PA….2nd on the Huskies in scoring with 36 points from 7 of 8 FG’s and 15 of 17 PAT’s ….scored 8 points in 20-16 win over Indiana (PA) on September 15….averaging 57 yards on 26 kickoffs….Habitat for Humanity volunteer….helped renew local town park in The Big Event community service program….Ronald McDonald House volunteer
JACOB GAHART
Ripon College (Wisconsin) – Division III
Junior from Elkhorn, WI….2nd on the team in scoring with 25 points from 4 of 5 FG’s and 13 of 14 PAT’s…named Midwest Conference Special Teams Performer of the Week on September 6 and September 19….20 career FG’s ranks 2nd in school history….made 45-yard FG which is his 2nd longest and 6th longest in school history…ranks 2nd in conference scoring by a kicker this season and 10th overall….scored a season-high 10 points in 42-14 win at Wisconsin Lutheran….averaging 52 yards on 23 kickoffs….has one reception for 9 yards this season….career development department volunteer at Ripon College….mentor to students at Ripon Middle School….assisted with research to establish an improved test for freshmen during Summer orientation
JORDAN GAY
Centre College (Kentucky) – Division III
Junior from Danville, KY….2nd on team in scoring with 33 points from 6 of 6 FG’s and 15 of 15 PAT’s….two-time SCAC Special Teams Player of the Week on September 6 and September 26….scored 18 points in 38-21 win over Hanover…named to D3football Team of the Week….made a 51-yard FG in 45-0 win over Austin on September 26….averaging 64 yards on 23 kickoffs…participated in city park clean-up…served as tutor for local high school students….campus tour guide
HERB GLASS
University at Albany - FCS
Senior from Miller Place, NY….leads team in scoring with 19 points from 3 of 4 FG’s and 10 of 10 PAT’s….became the school’s highest-scoring place-kicker on September 3….ranks 5th in career scoring overall with 183 points….set school record for career FG’s made with 29 against Columbia on September 24….96 career PAT’s ranks 3rd in school history…Northeast Conference Special Teams Player of the Week following Colgate game on September 3…one of five school kickers to make two FG’s over 40 yards….tied the 3rd longest FG in school history (48 yards) and made a 41-yard FG on the first possession in overtime….participates in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk….raised funds and walked in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk
TAYLOR GROFF
East Stroudsburg University (Pennsylvania) – Division II
Sophomore from Manheim, PA….scored 8 points against West Chester on September 24 in season debut from 2 of 2 FG’s and 2 of 2 PAT’s….tied career-long with 48-yard FG against West Chester….missed first three games of the season due to injury….set school record as a freshman last season by making 16 of 21 FG’s including making all 12 FG’s from under 40 yards…volunteer for children’s programs at local church….participates in school’s Breakfast with the Warriors during preseason camp…volunteers at Kohl’s Kicking Camps and Special Teams Solutions Camps
CHRISTOPHER HAZELTON
Southern Connecticut State University – Division II
Senior from Bristol, CT…3rd on the Owls in scoring with 28 points from 3 of 4 FG’s and 19 of 22 PAT’s….ranked 2nd in school history with 111 career PAT’s, just 4 shy of the record….tied career-high by scoring 13 points including career-long 44-yard FG in 61-0 win over Pace on September 23….scored 11 points in 59-34 win over St. Anselm on September 17….only FG miss was from 49 yards….averaging 56 yards per kickoff….participated in the school’s annual Big Event community service project…campus community Orientation Ambassador
NOAH HEIMER
Lock Haven University (Pennsylvania) – Division II
Senior from Lock Haven, PA….leads the team in scoring with 17 points from 5 of 7 FG’s and 2 of 2 PAT’s….ranks 9th in PSAC scoring….ranks 10th in Division II and 4th in the Conference with 1.67 FG’s per game….scored 8 points against Millersville on September 10….volunteer at Robbie Gould’s “Good as Gould” kicking camp…Lock Haven summer football camp volunteer
AARON JAMIESON
University of Central Missouri – Division II
Junior from Cassville, MO….2nd on the 19th ranked Mules in scoring with 31 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 19 of 19 PAT’s…. named MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week on September 12 after making school-record 53-yard FG against Missouri Western….scored 9 points in come-from-behind win at Emporia State on September 17….scored 10 points in 54-30 win over Truman State on September 24….moved into 2nd place in school history with 124 made PAT’s….ranks 5th in school history with 25 made FG’s….199 career points ranks 5th among UCM kickers and 9th for all players. Literacy Team volunteer where student-athletes read to local elementary school students….Veteran’s Home volunteer in Warrensburg….Fellowship of Christian Athletes…leads worship services…collaborated with his father at his high school alma mater to start The Character Project where students participate in regular community service
BILLY JANSSEN
Drake University (Iowa) – FCS
Senior from Round Lake Beach, IL….2nd on the Bulldogs in scoring with 17 points from 3 of 5 FG’s and 8 of 9 PAT’s ….scored 9 points in 27-23 win over Missouri S&T on September 17….averaging 56 yards on 17 kickoffs….instrumental leader on the team’s May 2011 trip to Tanzania, Africa to perform service projects and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro as extensions of the Bulldogs’ Global Kilimanjaro Bowl game…helped build an addition on a school and make significant repairs to orphanages and schools in Moshi and Arusha…helped organize his teammates for their participation in the program’s annual Youth Day where area school children are invited to come to Drake Stadium for an afternoon of football-related fun and games…visited youth at the Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines….packed meals for “Meals from the Heartland”
RYAN JASTRAM
North Dakota State University – FCS
Senior from Sioux Falls, SD….2nd on the Bison in scoring with 21 points from 1 of 2 FG’s and 18 of 18 PAT’s….has made 60 straight PAT’s dating to last season….made 49-yard FG in 8th ranked NDSU’s 37-24 win at Minnesota on September 24….averaging 63 yards on 22 kickoffs....Kohl’s Kicking Camp Counselor….Fargo Parks & Recreation work during summer months….reads to local elementary school students
TONY KEBEDE
North Park University (Illinois) – Division III
Junior from Fort Wayne, IN….leads the Vikings in scoring from 25 points from 5 of 6 FG’s and 10 of 10 PAT’s….CCIW Special Teams Player of the Week on September 6 and September 26….scored 8 points in 13-10 win over Washington University-St. Louis….averaging 55 yards on 17 kickoffs….youth football league athletic trainer….North Park University youth football camp volunteer
FRANK KEENAN
Fairmont State University (West Virginia) – Division II
Senior from Byfleet, England....Team Captain….2nd on the Fighting Falcons in scoring with 37 points from 7 of 10 FG’s and 16 of 17 PAT’s….54 career PAT’s is tied for 7th in school history …leads Conference in FG’s made….made career-long 46-yard FG against West Liberty on September 24 which is also the longest this season for any WVIAC kicker and earned Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors….scored 10 points against Glenville State on September 17 thanks to a Conference-high 3 FG’s in the game….averaged 56 yards on 27 kickoffs….played rugby at a university in England before attending Fairmont State….President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee….organized a Faculty Appreciation Tailgate prior to a football game including recruiting faculty and student-athletes to attend....raises funds for Make-A-Wish….reads at local elementary schools….coordinated the Community Read & Feed program where fans brought food and books to a FSU football game to the student-athletes who distributed these items to libraries, food shelters and schools…was instrumental in involving the school’s student-athletes in the “Paint the Town Maroon” initiative where the teams put up school-themed scarecrows on local light posts…organized events for Pancreatic Cancer Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month
NICK KINNEY
Newberry College (South Carolina) – Division II
Senior from Goose Creek, SC….leads team in scoring with 19 points from 3 of 3 FG’s and 10 of 10 PAT’s….first season as starting kicker…volunteers for multiple charity fundraisers…participated in Lock Up program to raise \$30,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association….raised money for a family affected by a house fire….helping plan the second Breast Cancer Breakfast to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation….regular volunteer in local highway clean-up efforts
SHAWN LEO
West Chester University (Pennsylvania) – Division II
Sophomore from Harleysville, PA….leads the Golden Rams in scoring with 40 points from 10 of 12 FG’s and 10 of 10 PAT’s….ranks 3rd in PSAC and 23rd nationally with 10 points per game….has scored more points and made more FG’s than any kicker in the Conference….2nd in Division II with 2.5 FG’s per game….set school record with 4 FG’s against New Haven on September 3….made 3 FG’s in win over Slippery Rock on September 20….needs 2 FG’s to tie school’s single-season record….Autism Walk volunteer for past two years….Relay for Life participant on campus for past two years….volunteer little league umpire in hometown for past two years
WILL LOCKWOOD
Bentley University (Massachusetts) – Division II
Junior from Menlo Park, CA….leads the Falcons in scoring with 29 points from 4 of 5 FG’s and 17 of 17 PAT’s….leads Conference kickers in scoring and 5th overall….scored 12 in 50-3 win over SUNY Maritime on September 2….scored 5 points including 44-yard FG against West Virginia Wesleyan on September 10….scored 7 points in 31-12 win at Stonehill on September 16….scored 5 points in 43-15 win over Saint Anselm on September 23….helped incoming freshmen move into dorms along with the rest of the football team…service trips to Mexico, Costa Rica and Honduras
TOM LYNCH
Saint Xavier University (Illinois) - NAIA
Senior from Frankfort, IL….tied for 1st on the \#1 ranked Cougars with 36 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 24 of 24 PAT’s…ranks 2nd in school history in career scoring by place-kickers with 267 points….scored 13 points in season-opening 55-10 win over Olivet Nazarene on September 3….scored 10 points in 34-30 win over St. Francis on September 10 including a 45-yard FG in the third quarter to take the lead….scored 6 points in 55-30 win over Walsh on September 17….scored 7 points in 49-14 win over Trinity International on September 24….averaging 62 yards on 19 kickoffs….participated in the school’s annual Service Day where students do community service projects….volunteers at Misericordia in Chicago which is a community of care that maximizes potential for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities….Vice President of school’s Criminal Justice Club….South Bridge Community Church summer day camp volunteer and provides complimentary maintenance and lawn care….place-kicker tutor to kicker at his high school alma mater
KYLE MAJOR
Colorado State University-Pueblo – Division II
Senior from Littleton, CO….leads the 14th ranked ThunderWolves in scoring with 47 points from 12 of 13 FG’s and 11 of 11 PAT’s….only missed FG was from 61 yards….6 of 6 FG’s from 40+ yards including 2 of 2 from 50+ yards….leads Division II in made FG’s…. two-time Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week….scored 14 points including the game-winning FG in 26-24 win over then-19th ranked West Texas A&M….school’s all-time leader in FG and points….speaks to local elementary and middle schools about sportsmanship and motivation….visits the St. Mary-Corwin Hospital during the football season to lift the spirits of sick children
ADRIAN MORA
Georgia Southern University - FCS
Senior from Dalton, GA….2nd on the Eagles in scoring with 31 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 19 of 19 PAT’s…. set school record for most consecutive PAT’s (114)….led the team in scoring each of the past three seasons ….49 of 59 career FG’s…. one FG shy of tying the school’s career-best 50 FG’s….has not missed a PAT in his career….scored 7 points in 31-17 win over Samford on September 3….volunteers at the local Boys and Girls Club as mentor, tutor and participant in after-school athletics….reads to local elementary school students as part of the Real Men Read program of the Bulloch Board of Education….Relay for Life volunteer…participates in school’s Little Eagles Camp
MATT MYERS
Northern Arizona University - FCS
Senior from Corona, CA….leads team in scoring with 32 points from 7 of 11 FG’s and 11 of 12 PAT’s…. all FG misses have been from 40-50 yards….scored 11 points at Portland State on September 17 including 48-yard FG….scored 8 points in 20-3 win over Idaho State on September 24 ….led volunteer efforts to visit Phoenix Children’s Hospital in August 2011…participated in Earth Week community cleanup event and Flagstaff kickoff setup….participated in Red Ribbon Week volunteer events….community drug-free campaign speaker at local elementary schools….involved with local Humane Society….Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer….St. Mary Food Bank volunteer….helped protect homes from flood and assisted with the flood clean-up efforts…Allstate Good Words Team nominee
DAVID NADEAU
University of Minnesota Duluth – Division II
Senior from White Bear Lake, MN….leads the 10th ranked Bulldogs in scoring with 29 points from 6 of 7 FG’s and 11 of 11 PAT’s….named Conference Special Teams Player of the Week on September 26 after scoring 14 points in 26-23 win over Bemijdi State on September 24….tied school kicking records for most FG’s in a game (4) and most points in a game (14) on September 24….scored 8 points in 20-12 win over then-8th ranked Augustana (SD) on September 3….owns 13 school records including for career points (329), PAT attempts (233), PAT’s made (218), FG attempts (51) and FG’s made (37)….has made 18 of last 20 FG’s and 35 straight PAT’s dating to last season….averaged 62 yards on 20 kickoffs….Engineering Society member….annual volunteer in the Big Jig Fishing Contest
JAMES NEAL
Lindenwood University (Missouri) – Division II
Sophomore from Mansfield, TX....2nd on the Lions in scoring with 29 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 17 of 18 PAT’s….kicked game-winning 21-yard FG as time expired and scored 10 points to beat FBS Northern Colorado 22-20 for the biggest regular season win in school history….made career-long 44-yard FG and scored season-high 11 points against Graceland on September 10….surpassed 100 career points in September in his 13th game and finished September with 114 career points…averaging 57 yards on 13 kickoffs…counselor at Camp Crucis
SCOTT ROCHE
Wheaton College (Illinois) – Division III
Senior from Evergreen, CO…leads the team in scoring with 29 points from 6 of 7 FG’s and 11 of 13 PAT’s….scored 11 points in 23-14 win over UW-Platteville on September 17….averaged 60 yards on 26 kickoffs….works with area youths as a leader in the Young Life program at a nearby high school for three nights each week….volunteered for Feed My Starving Children by packaging approximately 1,000 meals for those in need….actively participates in the football program’s ministry project each year during Spring Break, most recently in Senegal to help missionaries with work projects and building churches, playgrounds, lodging and other necessities….in his 4th year as a leader of a small group of football players as a part of ministry
ALEX ROMANIAS
Edinboro University (Pennsylvania) – Division II
Senior from Pittsburgh, PA….leads the 18th ranked Fighting Scots in scoring with 39 points from 7 of 7 FG’s and 18 of 18 PAT’s….ranks 3rd in school history with 129 career PAT’s and 4th in school history with 27 career FG’s…ranks 8th in career scoring with 210 points….has made 31 straight PAT’s dating back to last season….tied for 5th in Division II and 2nd in PSAC with FG’s per game with 1.75….9.75 points/game ranks 26th in Division II and 4th in the Conference….made all 3 FG attempts against West Liberty including a 40-yard FG at the end of the first half which matched his career long….scored 12 points in 30-14 win against West Liberty on September 3….converted FG’s of 35 and 37yards against Cheyney and against Gannon made FG’s of 31 and 21 yards….Read to Compete Program volunteer where football team reads to local elementary school students
DYLAN RUSHE
Endicott College (Massachusetts) – Division III
Sophomore from Palos Verdes, CA….leads the Gulls in scoring with 40 points from 7 of 9 FG’s and 19 of 20 PAT’s ….scored 15 points in 33-13 win over Framingham State on September 3 ….averaging 55 yards in 31 kickoffs….participates in annual run to raise money for St. Vincent de Paul as well as monthly food and clothing drives throughout local parish in Dublin, Ireland….assisted with Habitat for Humanity projects in Wilmington and Long Beach, CA….participates in weekly events with special needs children at North Shore Arc…Open Door Food Pantry volunteer during holidays to distribute food and household products….raises funds for Relay for Life, Walk for Life, City of Hope and Wellness Community
CODY SANDLIN
University of Tennessee at Martin – FCS
Junior from Goodlettsville, TN….leads the team in scoring with 32 points from 5 of 5 FG’s and 17 of 17 PAT’s….two FG’s have been from 40-49 yards….made 3 of 3 FG’s in season opener against 9th ranked Jacksonville State including career-best 45-yard FG….made two 20 yard FG’s against 24th ranked Murray State on September 22….OVC Specialist of the Week nominee for his performance against Murray State where he scored 12 points….averaging 58 yards on 19 kickoffs….participates in all team community service projects since freshman year including cleaning up Union City Park after an ice storm…Santa’s Village event and food drive volunteer for two years for the Martin Parks and Recreation
CHRIS SCIFO
University of New Haven (Connecticut) – Division II
Sophomore from Coral Springs, FL….tied for 1st on the team in scoring with 24 points from 4 of 6 FG’s and 12 of 13 PAT’s…scored 14 points in 50-14 win over Saint Augustine’s on September 10…averaging 64 yards in 21 kickoffs….Chamber of Commerce volunteer for Dover Beach Clean-Up….Pagels School Student Mentor….West Haven leaf raking
WESLEY SKIFFINGTON
Stony Brook University (New York) - FCS
Junior from Brandon, FL…2nd on the Seawolves in scoring with 28 points from 6 of 8 FG’s and 10 of 10 PAT’s….Big South Special Teams Player of the Week after scoring 13 points in 37-20 win over Lafayette including a career-long 46 yards on September 24…became school’s all-time leader on September 24 in points among kickers beating the old record of 156 points….Friends of Jaclyn Program volunteer….Sunrise Fund volunteer at Stony Brook University Medical Center….headed football team’s participation in Walk for Beauty
ANDY SMITH
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology – NAIA
Senior from Pierre, SD….2nd on team in scoring with 31 points from 8 of 10 FG’s and 7 of 7 PAT’s….scored 10 points against Fort Lewis on September 10….scored 7 points against Black Hills State on September 17 including 51-yard FG….averaging 51 yards on 23 kickoffs….entered the 2010 season with every SD Mines kicking record including longest FG (52 yards)….Big Brothers, Big Sisters fundraiser and volunteer
STEFAN TERLECKYJ
Wayne State University (Michigan) – Division II
Sophomore from Warren, MI…leads the 9th ranked Warriors in scoring with 32 points from 3 of 3 FG’s and 23 of 24 PAT’s …scored 7 points in 31-24 win over Ohio Dominican on September 24 to go 4-0 for the first time since 1967….averaging 59 yards on 32 kickoffs….participated in United Way’s Martin Luther King Day of Service by assisting the Motor City Blight Busters with a renovation project in metropolitan Detroit….collected consumer products for the DO Foundation’s Hit the Street Mission and Covenant House Michigan
BRADEN WIEKING
University of Sioux Falls (South Dakota) – Division II
Junior from Sioux Falls, SD….2nd on the Cougars in scoring with 23 points from 4 of 5 FG’s and 11 of 11 PAT’s….scored 8 points in 38-23 win over Minot State on September 24….only FG miss was from 52 yards….averaging 55 yards on 19 kickoffs….team’s nomination for Allstate Good Hands Team….Sioux Falls Fellowship of Christian Athletes volunteer and Group Huddle Leader on campus….Habitat for Humanity volunteer….Vacation Bible Study volunteer
KYLE WILLIAMS
Hinds Community College (Mississippi) – NJCAA
Sophomore from Pearl, MS….leads team in scoring with 23 points from 3 of 5 FG’s and 14 of 17 PAT’s… Habitat for Humanity volunteer….Muscular Dystrophy Association of Mississippi volunteer
ANTHONY WOOD
Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College (Minnesota) – NJCAA
Senior from Cloquet, MN….Team Captain….scored 9 points from 1 of 1 FG’s and 6 of 7 FG’s….intern in Athletic Director’s office….Student Senate Activities Coordinator….volunteers to help local high school place-kickers and punters….coaches Junior Varsity soccer at Cloquet High School….presented donated toys to children at Community Memorial Hospital
ABOUT THE FRED MITCHELL AWARD
The annual Fred Mitchell Outstanding Place-Kicker Award (also known as the Fred Mitchell Award, www.fredmitchellaward.com) is provided to the nation’s top collegiate place-kicker among more than 750 FCS, Division II, III, NAIA and NJCAA football teams. The Award is named for Fred Mitchell, the record-setting place-kicker, Wittenberg University Athletic Hall of Famer, author, philanthropist and Chicago Tribune sports columnist. The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be chosen based on excellence on the football field and in the community. The Award’s Watch List is released in August, top performers are recognized monthly during the college football season, and the winner (who is not required to be on the Watch List) is announced in mid-December. The school of the Award winner receives scholarship funds and the Fred Mitchell Award trophy will be presented on February 20, 2012 at the National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter Awards Ceremony at Halas Hall (see www.nffchicagoawards.eventbrite.com for details about the Awards Ceremony).
A blue-ribbon Selection Committee (listed at www.fredmitchellaward.com) evaluates place-kickers that are nominated by their schools. Members of the Pro and/or College Football Hall of Fame on the Selection Committee include Tom Beck, Kevin Butler, Paul Hornung, Marv Levy, Steve McMichael, Don Pierson and Gale Sayers. Several former football players that are active in their communities are also on the Selection Committee including Sean Gothier, Dan Jiggetts, Jeff Michalczyk, Mark Murphy, Rob Perry, Jeff Schebler, Bob Thomas, Todd Wilkins, Gary Zauner and Rob Zvonar. There are eight former college or NFL place-kickers on the Selection Committee, including Jeff Schebler, the inaugural Fred Mitchell Award recipient in 2009 and the highest-scoring place-kicker in NCAA history at any level.